I originally posted on the laptop board, and then realized I may get some help here as well.

Hello everyone. I am about to purchase a new laptop for work and need some advice. I personally own a Dell Inspiron 5150 and HATE it. It is so loud that I'm surprised I have not gone deaf. It also gets extremely hot. Overall, I just have not been happy with it!

So, a few people are telling me to try a MAC. It seems that the people I know using MAC's do not have the virus, spyware, and other problems that I've had.

_Here is what I will be using the new one for:- _

1) a lot of internet use, 2) connecting to company's ERP (international), 3) ton of email, 4) Microsoft Office package, 4) quite a bit of photo editing, 5) there will be a lot of PDF documents to be stored, 6) Skype ... I'm sure there's more, but I just can't think of everything.

SPEED is a big deal for me. I'm tired of this slow going thing I have now.
I have never used a MAC and am worried about running into problems with software, etc. However, I am also willing to try one if I would really eliminate some of the problems one gets with a PC. I am not too technical and do not care to be constantly having to deal with problems. I just need and want a machine that runs smooth and FAST.

If a MAC is suggested, could you please offer some input on which one. Same for a PC. +I swear I do not want another Dell, unless someone convinces me otherwise. +

Thanks very much in advance for any help. I really appreciate it as I just don't know where to even start.

Thank you,
Marie